Like many people, my 2020 started out with great hope and joy. On January 8th we received the official referral to adopt the two beautiful girls we hosted last summer. The process had moved quickly, but not as quickly as we had hoped as there had been a few hiccups along the way. But we were still on path to bring our girls home from Colombia by the beginning of April.
Read MoreSome seasons of life are fuller than others. In those times, I (Liz) have learned how healing it can be to just name all that I’m encountering, all of the burdens that are weighing on my soul. I did this today, to reflect and allow myself healing — in a year that’s already been full (and hard) for us both.
Read MoreEarlier this week I was watching a YouTube series called Here's the Thing when one of the co-hosts, Angel, said this year has been "a whole lotta Inshallah." I could not agree more. “Inshallah” is an Arabic phrase primarily used by Muslims but also Arabic Christians meaning "God willing" or "if God wills." They state this before or after mentioning any plans as a reminder of who is in charge. It made me remember something my mom and grandma used to say a lot and still do when talking about the future: "God willing." I thought that meant "hopefully," but it does not; not quite. If 2020 has taught me anything, it is that we are in control of little.
Read MoreI began 2020 with a theme song. I typically choose a word for the year. I honestly cannot remember my word because this year has been so different from what I envisioned. Wait…that was my word: VISION. I digress. My song of the year came from the widely anticipated Frozen II, called “Into the Unknown.” All of 2019, I felt God was preparing me for some big changes and leaps of faith. I guess I was right, but I was also really wrong.
Read MoreWe want to provide an update to everyone on our plans for in person service, and thank everyone for filling out the survey for your worship preferences at this time. As of right now we are going to delay in person services due to the warning issued by Peoria City County Health Department.
Read More2020. Woof. Am I right? To give you context about my 2020 and how it’s already shaped me, first I’ve gotta tell you a bit about 2019.
Read MoreWe are excited to welcome Heather Robertson as our new pastoral intern for the next academic year. Heather will be with us for the next year as she finishes her final year of seminary online through Garrett Theological Seminary.
Read MoreIn a sense, the anxiety I have experienced throughout most of my life has prepared me for this moment. In my head, I would dream up scenarios such as this, so this pandemic seemed inevitable. When COVID-19 hit, while it became harder to not let those fears consume me, I also felt prepared because this anxiety that most people are experiencing right now is my normal, everyday life.
Read MoreThe search committee is continuing the process of finding a new co-paster to work alongside Josh. In our last update, we had chosen four candidates to move on and had Zoom meetings with each.
Read MoreEmily (5), Libby (6), and Kyle (7) share their musings about the Enneagram and the ways they have learned and grown.
Read MoreMisty (8), Sarah (9), and Christina (1) share about their home type, their transformative journey with the Enneagram, and their unique experience with the Gut Triad.
Read MoreCheck out the second week of enneagram voices with Bryan (2), Justin (3), and Vicky (4) share about their home type within the Heart triad and how they have journeyed with the Enneagram.
Read MoreWe’ll kick off this five-week series with an intro session from pastors Dustin and Christina.
Read MoreImago has decided that the individuals or groups less than 10 may begin meeting in the building on May 30th as Illinois enters into Phase 3.
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